Some people's playing styles don't encounter that, "in my experience" I did. Just threw it out there, so if it's a potential concern it can be considered.
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Can't Make Up My Mind
- Thread starter countrybass5
- Start date
Some people's playing styles don't encounter that, "in my experience" I did. Just threw it out there, so if it's a potential concern it can be considered.
Good question. A few observations:
*In my universe, Carvin has a relatively low threshold-of-diminishing-return. IOW, once you reach a certain price-point, costs increase with no concomitant improvements in performance. Yeah, you get some really nice looking wood and inlays but for that kind of dough I'd expect to see some top-drawer pick-ups and preamps for starters.
*There's a preconceived notion that, if you spend X bucks for the aforementioned embellishments, that the bass just has to sound great! Nope.
*Take the same $2500, peruse the TB classifieds, and cost-compare. Off the top of my head, I can think of two 5 strings in the $1300 - $1500 that would run circles around Carvin. Granted, you may not end up with fancy top-of-choice but that's one of my lower priorities.
*If you go the Carvin route, better hope it meets your expectations as your dream bass. If not, it will take one heckuva hit on the secondhand market. I've got an older Bunny Brunel 5 with a trade value of maybe ~$700 which is about right.
Riis
The re-sale issue is dead on. A $1500-$2500 carvin sells used for $500-$900. If you don't like it you'll take a major hit money wise. As for tone I guess it's subjective. I had an old carvin 5 string w 2 J pups and a 3 band pre and it sounded great (still does, I traded it to a friend so I get to visit
). I knew a guy who had a 2 soapbar model that sounded great too. I'd be more concerned with weight, balance, and neck profile.
Reading this thread has been interesting - Kiesel sure seems to be polarizing. I'm curious about their new Zeus headless, but can't find any clips of the pickup configuration that I'd go with (H/H, passive with volume, tone and pickup blend pots). I'll probably end up getting something done by a local luthier that I know. Seems like less of a gamble to me - probably easier to go have a look at how things are progressing / make tweaks when the guy building your bass is just a few blocks away.
To the OP, here's my take:
The Kiesels are great instruments. If you're looking for a last bass to buy, it'll be a great instrument. You don't need to invest 2500 to get it though. If you WANT to put that money into the instrument, and you want to customize it with a bunch of cosmetic features, go for it! You clearly have a connection to your old Carvins and you like the brand. You can always swap electronics too if you want, and it wouldn't be a bad idea to save some cash for when something fails and you need to replace an amp or tuner.
The people saying that you should get something else, something used for that money, have different priorities in what they want in a bass. It doesn't mean that a Kiesel is not going to play well, be well made, sound good, or have good quality parts. Kiesels have all of those things. But if you compare a $2500 bass with exotic woods and finishes and custom features to a $2500 used bass that has standard woods and finishes and was built stock, then of course there are going to be some things that the used bass does better. But the way this always comes across is that the Kiesels are cheaply made instruments with bad tone that just look pretty, and that is simply not the case.
I really don't want to come across as a fan boy, I've played lots of different brands and basses, and I'm not going to say that Kiesel is the best company around because I don't believe they are. But I think they have an unfair reputation, especially to bassists.
The Kiesels are great instruments. If you're looking for a last bass to buy, it'll be a great instrument. You don't need to invest 2500 to get it though. If you WANT to put that money into the instrument, and you want to customize it with a bunch of cosmetic features, go for it! You clearly have a connection to your old Carvins and you like the brand. You can always swap electronics too if you want, and it wouldn't be a bad idea to save some cash for when something fails and you need to replace an amp or tuner.
The people saying that you should get something else, something used for that money, have different priorities in what they want in a bass. It doesn't mean that a Kiesel is not going to play well, be well made, sound good, or have good quality parts. Kiesels have all of those things. But if you compare a $2500 bass with exotic woods and finishes and custom features to a $2500 used bass that has standard woods and finishes and was built stock, then of course there are going to be some things that the used bass does better. But the way this always comes across is that the Kiesels are cheaply made instruments with bad tone that just look pretty, and that is simply not the case.
I really don't want to come across as a fan boy, I've played lots of different brands and basses, and I'm not going to say that Kiesel is the best company around because I don't believe they are. But I think they have an unfair reputation, especially to bassists.
Thanks for your honesty.I have until Oct. to make a choice...I do like Carvin equipment...I've played through their amps for years. We also used their pa system.I had a cheap B4 for years until I gave it to my grandson. All of my dealings I've had with them have been positive. I haven't dealt with anyone else over the years. That's why I am relying on reviews from tbers. I appreciate the honesty of those who have dealt with Carvin. I also appreciate hearing what they would do in my place. I guess I will learn all I can by Oct. I wish I lived close to a music store or two so I could try different basses out. I am 62 years old,and don't play very often. I doubt I'll be selling this bass,it will probably go to my grandson in the future.I want it to be something both of us can enjoy for the next few years.
Why would Carvin be your last choice...did you have a bad experience with them?
Refer to post #42. I've been very happy with my Bunny 5 and never had a problem with Carvin / Kiesel. I'd be hard-pressed to spend much over $1200 for a new model, though. Their "a la carte" pricing drives the the cost of a decent bass into boutique territory and it's easy to get carried away while configuring.
Riis
Yea, for sale for. Go to ebay where you can click "completed listings" and youll see what these actually wind up going for and/or how long they sit
Thanks for the reply...I thought maybe you had had a bad experience with Carvin. I'm glad to hear you like your Bunny. I really enjoyed the B4 I used to have.
My problem is that the nearest music store is 3 hrs. away. I don't have thr luxury of playing any guitars. I loved the B4 I had so I'm pretty sure I will like their other models.
Don't feel bad. I live in the largest city in Virginia (population-wise) and still have only a *meh* selection from which to trial. Everything I own came from either TB or Reverb. What's your criteria? $2500 will buy a lot of bass but, then again, so will $1500. PM me and I'll give you my top-picks.
Riis
How was your LB guitar? I had one of their old B4s and I really liked it. At that time I wanted to order an LB model but I didn't have enough money. I was playing using a Gibson Ripper...but I didn't like the sound of it. I ordered a "plain jane" B4 that wasn't fancy at all. It had a really great sound. I wasn't playing so I gave it to my grandson. Now I am playing again so I decided to get either a LB75, a PB5, or an Icon. I figure this will be the last bass I buy,so I want it to be one I can use then turn over to my grandson.
I'd still lobby that you buy used from guitar center. The return policy protects you from buying other people's problems and you'll probably spend less than 1k.
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IMHO, there are a lot of other brands I would consider first if plunking that kind of coin on a bass.
Sorry...doesn't look like my reply came through. I am not confident I'd get a good deal used. I am confident the Carvin bass would be a good one because of dealings I've had with them. I know their basses are top quality.
I agree, I've had a great experience with Carvin basses, I meant buy a used carvin from GC. It's the best of both worlds, a maker that builds a good product, a much better price than new, and the protection of a return policy in case there are any problems (wait, that's 3 world's?
)
